NORMAL transmission was resumed for Hawthorn on Sunday, with an 11-goal thumping of Richmond at the MCG, highlighted by four third-quarter goals by Cyril Rioli and 11 goalkickers all up.

Also noticeable was that the Hawk veteran midfielders – Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Shaun Burgoyne – were all in great touch and a feature of this clash will be to see them, along with Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna and Nick Riewoldt on the same ground.

The Saints will show their trademark pluck and a great learning experience looms large for their band of youngsters, but the Hawks have too many match winners.

Match facts

1. Hawthorn holds a 77-71 edge over St Kilda in head-to-head battles, including two draws. At the MCG, the Hawks hold an 8-3 edge.

2. Hawthorn is ranked second in 2014 for uncontested possessions averaging 260.5 per game while St Kilda is sixth at 228.8 per game.

3. No team has laid fewer tackles in 2014 than Hawthorn, averaging 52.5 per game while St Kilda is equal 12th at 64.3 per game.

4. No team has been more accurate in front of goals in 2014 than Hawthorn, at 60.3 per cent, the next best is the Western Bulldogs at 53 per cent.

5. The Hawks biggest win over the Saints is a 129-point thrashing in round three, 1983 at Moorabbin, while the St Kilda’s greatest win over Hawthorn is 109 points in round 2, 1950 at the Junction Oval.

6. Cyril Rioli’s brilliant performance last Sunday vaulted him into the top 10 of the Official AFL Player Ratings. He is now in ninth place with 556 points.